Spondylocostal dysostosis [jarcho-levin syndrome] in an Arab family

There are two distinct forms of congenital spinal deformities involving the entire vertebral column with short trunk dwarfism and rib anomalies namely severe and mild forms of Jarcho-Levin syndrome. We present two new related cases that we believe are the first reported cases among the Arab population. They are examples of the recessive mild form of the syndrome affecting the entire spine including cervical and sacral regions with multiple rib fusion. On advising parents regarding the prognosis caution must be paid as many patients show good tolerance of their deformities

Flucloxacillin induced neutropenia during treatment of osteomyelitis

The neutropenia was associated with a characteristic clinical sequence starting with fever, followed by generalised maculopapular rash. We report on 11 patients with Flucloxacillin induced neutropenia during treatment of acute and chronic osteomyelitis. The time of onset ranged from 10 to 14 days after beginning of treatment. The thrombo-cytopenia occurred in 8 patients. Discontinuation of the drugs resulted in recovery from the neutropenia within 2 to 4 days. Neutropenia and concomitant symptoms should be kept in mind when treating osteomyelitis with flucloxacillin. Complete blood count and differential leukocyte count should be checked regularly during the treatment